Nov. 26, 1975

— EMPLOYMENT AT RECORD 775 IN CASSVILLE Cassville industrial employment reached a record 775, the Industrial Development Corporation reported at its annual meeting. Employers included Able 2 Products, Jumping-Jacks Shoes, Cassville Truss, Garrett Manufacturing, FASCO Industries, Forest Products, Wells Aluminum, Barry Electric, Cassville schools and Continental Telephone. Employment was estimated to be up 250 from 1974. Retiring directors Jack Byrd and Dogle Thomas were re-elected.

— BARRY COUNTY POPULATION CHANGE NOTED James E. Summers of the Lakes Country Area Extension Service said Barry County’s population is divided between “natives” and “newcomers,” with differing expectations and demands. Many newcomers arrived from large cities seeking a rural lifestyle. Summers noted that city problems often stem from population density, and warned that rising migration could recreate similar issues. The 1970 Census showed 40.7 percent of residents had moved in the previous five years, including large numbers from other states and counties. Rural, nonfarm growth appeared to be the fastest-growing category.

— PLANNING FOR CONVERSION OF CITY BUILDING The Barry County Court instructed engineer George Ulmer to proceed with revisions for renovation of a city building using a $78,000 HUD grant. Plans include a community room, ambulance facilities and exterior remodeling of the building at Third and Main. Parking will be added. Mayor Bill LeCompte said city offices may move to the building, which could also house a Chamber of Commerce tourist center. Ambulance officials accepted the plans after initial concerns. Representatives of the Corps of Engineers and Central Crossing Association discussed boat launch improvements at Highway 39.

Nov. 27, 1985

— THREE BLOCK FLOODING BEFORE COUNCIL Residents of West Street between Third and First appeared at a continued city council meeting asking again for relief from yard flooding. The area is prone to heavy standing water during rains. Joyce Vaughan, Ron Coones, Ralph Hilburn and Mrs. Novis Lamb made the request. Engineer George Ulmer said the water could not be handled without getting across City Route 37, and noted that past grant applications had failed. Mayor Meador requested information for the Dec. 9 meeting. Residents said paving on West Street and Highway 37 had created a dam. Meador said he would not accept “Don’t shoot the alligators” as a solution. South ward representatives Bob Mizer and Sue Brattin will review the area. Ulmer also briefed the council on possibilities for 50–50 outdoor recreation grants. Police Chief Ray Burnette announced a resignation, prompting budget discussions. Council members predicted significant cuts to police, street and water departments. Other issues included reviewing ordinances with the city attorney.

— SEVEN PROPOSALS FOR PARK RESTAURANT BID The Missouri Department of Natural Resources received seven proposals for operation of the Roaring River State Park restaurant beginning March 1. Bidders included Charles England, Jack Nickols, Jim L. Weathers, Wayne Smithson, Lex Elliott, Maudie Ball and George Dell Jr. Interviews were planned for the second week of December, with a contract award by Jan. 1, 1986.

— COUNTY SALES TAX BACK INTO MONEY PROBLEM SOLUTION LIST Following a meeting of county officials, it appears likely that another sales tax issue will go to voters. A previous one-cent tax failed in early November. Presiding Judge Lloyd Dilbeck said a new issue would only be presented with full support of elected officials. Sheriff Jim Hopkins and Prosecuting Attorney John Lewright strongly supported the tax, saying the county has no other way to raise revenue. Treasurer Gene Fare, criticized for opposing the earlier issue, reluctantly supported the new one after being challenged. Officials discussed the impact of reassessment, timing of a February vs. April election, and the county’s inability to pay November bills. Several officials, including Judge Edward Sweeney and Clerk Dick Sanders, expressed support for the tax.

30 years ago

Nov. 22, 1995

— HAMMONS’ $500,000 OFFER PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS START IN CASSVILLE John Q. Hammons’ recent offer to donate $500,000 towards construction of an auditorium at Cassville Schools was a “gesture of good will” made to the community where he got his start. The Springfield businessman is not a Cassville native but did teach and coach at Cassville Middle School from 1940 to 1942. Hammons said his teaching position at Cassville was his first job out of college. “I’ve never forgotten and will always appreciate the fact that my first start in the business world was in Cassville,” Hammons said. He added that he was paid $45 a month during his first year of teaching and $50 a month during his second. The idea to donate money toward an auditorium project came after Hammons had talked several times to K Cardin, a CHS graduate and former CHS speech and debate teacher. “K started talking to me and was persistent,” Hammons said. “She thought the community needed an auditorium.” Cardin served as the emissary between Hammons and the Cassville School District, according to Superintendent Dan Bailey. “This offer would never have happened if K hadn’t contacted John Q. Hammons,” said Bailey. “She has spent countless hours working with Hammons on this project.” Cardin said she first saw the need for an auditorium when she began teaching. She said she realized that award-winning speech students were graduating without ever being on a stage. “This town needs an auditorium, and in the back of my mind I thought of John Q.,” Cardin said. “Cassville has been such a good place for me and my family to live. This was my way to give back to the community.” Her connection to Hammons dates back to his days in Cassville when he taught with Cardin’s mother, Mary Frances Baker. Hammons is also a long-time friend of her father, Truman Baker. Hammons served as best man in the Bakers’ wedding. Cardin first spoke to Hammons about the auditorium idea about two years ago. “I told him about the speech department and the community,” Cardin said. “I also told him about the population and the enrollment at the school. He was so impressed with the growth in this area, and he couldn’t get over the enrollment at school.” Cardin said she has enjoyed getting to know Hammons personally. “I have heard my folks talk about John Q. all my life, and it’s really been nice getting to know him. His feet are planted firmly on the ground, and he is genuinely interested in the people of this town.” Cardin said Glenda Ward has also played a supporting role in the auditorium effort. Ward has met with architect Sam Winn and Hammons’ architect Steve Minton to review auditorium plans. A design for a 500-seat auditorium has been chosen because of acoustics and cost. Estimates are placing the total cost of the project at $1.5 million. In order to finance the proposal, voters will be asked to approve a bond issue in April. The amount of the bond has not been decided. School board members are considering the option of combining existing capital project funds with bond revenue. They have decided to delay the financing decision until their December or January board meeting. They have until Feb. 6, 1996, to certify the election. “I offered $500,000, which I thought was a pretty good size donation,” said Hammons. “If they put it all together, I will honor my pledge.” Hammons’ interest in performing arts has included construction of the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield and The Palace in Myrtle Beach. Hammons said he also is developing two or three other entertainment venues.

— CASSVILLE FFA MEMBERS ATTENDED NATIONAL CONVENTION IN KANSAS CITY Members of the Cassville Future Farmers of America attended the National FFA Convention Nov. 8–10. The annual convention, held each year in Kansas City, is the highlight of the year for FFA members across the country. Forty thousand of National FFA’s 440,000 members attended the four-day convention. They participated in leadership seminars and motivational sessions and visited career and trade shows. The American Royal Livestock Show and Rodeo is held each year during the National FFA Convention, and members were eager to attend. Cassville FFA advisor Richard Asbill and 16 members left Nov. 8 for the convention. After registering, they attended the American Royal Rodeo. On Nov. 9, Cassville FFA members toured the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kan., where they saw the changes that agriculture has made through the years. Of interest was the first known actual tractor and working exhibits of antique tractors and rural schoolhouses. That afternoon members took part in the opening session of the convention. National officers spoke as did motivational speaker John Alston. Afterwards, members visited the FFA career show where they saw agricultural fields of interest. Innovations in agriculture from tractors and trucks to experimental space projects and new farming ideas, such as aquaculture, were on display. The Cassville FFA attended two sessions on Nov. 10, their last day at the convention. Members were present for the national officers’ retiring address and heard David Toma, former New York City police officer, speak about inner-city life and his hope that the FFA organization will continue to make a positive influence in the lives of today’s youth. Attending from Cassville were Justin Ball, Clay Blankenship, Lisa Blankenship, Vince Blankenship, Chad Brooks, Jayme Cox, Jimmy Hinson, Heidi Kier, Wendy Miller, Mandy Rickleffs, C.J. Stapleton, B.J. Swofford, Anna Woods, Matt Woods, Jennifer Writer and Mandy Writer.

— 153 AREA FAMILIES WILL GET HOLIDAY HELP FROM SYC The Volunteer Action Committee for Share Your Christmas reports that 153 families have enrolled in the holiday- giving program, and more are expected. For the past 20 years, Share Your Christmas has provided food, clothing and toys for needy families in Barry County. Donations from the community keep the effort going, and all contributions are used to help families enjoy a happier Christmas. Cash and new toy donations are accepted at the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce office at 504 Main Street. Preowned clothing and used toys may be taken to the Second Act Thrift Shop on Hwy. 112, which also accepts food donations. After Thanksgiving, area banks and industries will have gift trees; donors can take ornaments, purchase the listed toy, and return it unwrapped. Churches, civic groups and individuals may also sponsor Christmas food baskets or adopt families by visiting the Chamber office. The Share Your Christmas Action Committee is preparing for distribution days, Dec. 14 and 15.